What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit, publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent, named funds that support community needs and opportunities. We differ from other non-profit organizations by our general mission: to improve the quality of life in a given area. This scope of mission reflects our ability to make grants in any field of interest with a charitable benefit to local communities. This flexibility allows us to serve a broader group of potential donors on the one hand and, on the other, a widespread group of nonprofit organizations whom we consider our partners in improving our local communities. Area nonprofits benefit from having a local community foundation because the community foundation helps money stay in the community.

Our foundation

The Pleasants Community Foundation began in 2000 as an affiliate of another large multi-county community foundation. Community leaders sought to enhance the quality of life in Pleasants County through charitable giving. As the Foundation grew, it became an independent organization in 2005. By offering charitable giving opportunities, the PCF makes local philanthropy easier and more effective.

The PCF is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of West Virginia. It is registered charitable organization with the West Virginia Secretary of State. We are governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of local volunteers, each of whom has a long history of involvement in community and civic affairs.

What types of funds do we have?

The Foundation currently manages 56 funds valued in excess of $3 million. Of those funds, half are scholarship funds with the majority awarded to graduating seniors at St. Marys High School. However, the Foundation does manage one scholarship fund for graduates of Tyler County High School and two for graduates of Doddridge County High School. In addition, a number of scholarships have been established for students who are already in college or in graduate school.

Many organizations created funds with the Foundation to generate income. These include the Pleasants County 4-H Foundation, the Pleasants County Public Library, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys & Girls Club of Pleasants County, and the Humane Society. Additional funds have been created to support the needs of community organizations, schools, and individuals through grants.

Finally, several Pleasants County cemeteries have endowment funds to generate income needed for maintenance.

What is our endowment level?

The PCF requires an endowment of $20,000 to begin using the fund immediately. Future funds may be established below the endowment level but may not make awards until full endowment is reached. The Foundation estimates that an endowment of $20,000 will result in $1,000 in income each year.